The Trump administration is moving toward mandatory online filing for green cards, citizenship, asylum and other immigration benefits under a new rule published in the Federal Register on Monday. The interim final rule, which the Department of Homeland Security published, does not immediately make any forms online-only, but instead would allow USCIS to require electronic filing for immigration benefit requests once a form has been available online for at least 180 days.
What changed
The rule would establish a process that allows the agency to make forms online-only after providing at least 60 days’ notice. The rule could affect a wide range of immigration benefits, including green card applications and renewals, family-based petitions, citizenship requests, asylum claims, employment authorization applications and Temporary Protected Status filings.
As of December 2025, USCIS offered online filing for 22 forms, including Form I-90 to replace a permanent resident card, Form I-130 for family sponsorship, Form I-485 for adjustment of status, Form I-751 to remove conditions on permanent residence, Form I-765 for work authorization, Form I-589 for asylum and Form N-400 for naturalization. Any of these forms could become mandatory e-file once they have been online for 180 days.
Why it matters
The agency said about 43 percent of individual applicants voluntarily filed online in fiscal year 2025 when an electronic option was available, while fewer than 6 percent of attorneys and accredited representatives did so. This gap reveals a significant workflow shift ahead for practitioners: you will need to transition to e-filing even if your current clients prefer paper submission, or risk rejection at USCIS intake.
The 180-day threshold means forms already online are on the clock. Check the USCIS website for each form’s online availability date. Once it hits 180 days, USCIS can flip the switch to mandatory e-filing with minimal notice. The 60-day notice period is a compliance window—not a grace period for late paper filings.
Practitioners with clients who lack internet access, have technical barriers, or operate in low-connectivity areas face new pressure: you will need to advocate for hardship waivers or prepare to file electronically on behalf of clients who cannot do so themselves.
Way forward
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Audit your current filing practice now. Identify which forms your practice regularly submits, check their online-availability dates on USCIS.gov, and calculate when the 180-day threshold will trigger mandatory e-filing.
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Train your team and clients on e-filing mechanics. Familiarize yourself with myUSCIS account creation, form completion, payment, and document upload before forms become mandatory. Test-file a non-critical form if possible.
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Develop a hardship waiver template. The rule allows USCIS discretion to waive e-filing for undue hardship. Prepare language for clients who genuinely cannot file electronically, and retain documentation of the barrier.
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Monitor the Federal Register and USCIS alerts. Once the rule takes effect, USCIS will announce specific forms’ transition dates. Subscribe to USCIS email updates and check the newsroom weekly for implementation notices.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Fola Form is software, not a law firm. Consult a licensed immigration attorney to assess the impact on your specific matter. Immigration policy can change without notice. Verify all information against the primary source and current USCIS guidance before making filing decisions.